This month’s Equity Resource comes from Matthew Ayres, the Director at Joyce Uptown Foodshelf and partner for our May Food Drive. Learn about the historic rise in food shelf visits and need and join us in supporting Joyce by donating food, supplies, money, or your time during the Tangletown May Food Drive.
“Hunger is a persistent and growing problem in the US, Minnesota, and here in Minneapolis. Rising food prices, a growing gap between the rich and poor, and other rising costs such as transportation, medical, and child care have all led to a 50% increase in food shelf visits across the state from 2021 to 2022. Each of the over 300 food shelves in Minnesota are also feeling the squeeze; with rising food costs and growing need, funding has not kept up with reality. Here at Joyce Uptown Foodshelf we have nearly doubled our budget since 2021, with less than 5% of our funding coming from government sources, we rely heavily on individual donors (70%), Faith Communities (15%), and Local businesses to keep us afloat. Hunger Solutions is the statewide advocacy group that works at the Capital and in DC to ensure adequate funding for food systems that keep our neighbors fed. Read this Solutions Blog post on their website to learn about the historic rise in need, and sign up for their action alerts if you’d like to become an advocate for strong anti-hunger policies.”